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Horray! The Camden Bridge opened on August 21 after much anticipation, but little fanfare took place -it was a simple taking down of the road barriers about 2 p.m. on the hot Saturday afternoon. The opening was a bit ahead of schedule, but folks in the Camden area have been patiently awaiting this - they've been forced to divert their commutes to I-694 or to Broadway, causing many delays and frustration, and basic time away from home and family since last spring.
The refurbished bridge is looking good. The bridge deck has been completely replaced with new concrete, driving surface and protective overlay. Also included is a new concrete railing, vehicle crash walls, pedestrian railings, bridge roadway lights, new ornamental metal railing, bridge lighting, and roadway and sidewalk match work on both ends of the bridge. The bridge beams will be repainted next year and will require periodic closures to a single traffic lane, while keeping the bridge open.
Now that the bridge is open be sure to start going back to all the local businesses along Lyndale and 42nd Avenues that have been hurt by the bridge closure!
Speaking of bridges, the new Lowry Bridge construction is moving along, slowly but surely. Hennepin County started the design process for bridge replacement in 2007. The bridge was closed in 2008 due to structural issues and demolished in June 2009.
Phase I of the replacement project is underway and is scheduled for completion in 2011. On August 10, on Pier No. 6, the eastern river piers and footing construction began. Concrete has been poured for the northern footing and rebar continues to be installed in the southern footing. On the west side of the river, piling continues to be driven for the falsework. On the east side of the river the East Abutment stem is now complete.
On April 27 Hennepin County authorized funding for Phase II of the replacement project. Phase II involves construction over the Canadian Pacific Railroad and its roadway approaches. The schedule for Phase II is still being determined.
Photos by Donna Seline
Workers made a last pass before declaring the bridge Even the road to the boat landing got a new coat
ready for traffic of tar